Annie West has been writing for Mills & Boon for over a decade, so we asked her if she had any advice for aspiring Mills & Boon and Romance authors.

First up, congratulations! It’s a big step to start writing your first Mills & Boon romance and an exciting one. I hope you have as much fun as I did with mine. I didn’t sell that first story but I adored the process of learning to write one and it’s led me to a career that I love. Whether this is a passing pleasure or a long-term goal, I hope it brings joy, fulfilment and maybe a career. Good luck to you.

Here are some thoughts to help you in the right direction:

• If you want to write for Mills & Boon, read lots of them! The more you read the more you get a feel for what works. This will also help you decide what series you want to write for. Passionate short contemporary stories like you find in Mills & Boon Modern? Or perhaps Historical? Or Medical? Or one of the others? Where do you feel most at home? One of the most important things you can do before you start is decide what sort of romance you want to write. This allows you to target your story better.

• Write a story you love. If your heart isn’t in what you’re writing, it will show. If you have heard a particular type of romance sells well but it’s not what you enjoy reading, don’t try to write one. Stick with a story that moves you. Your passion is important.

• Some people plot their whole book in advance. Others dive in with just the first scene in mind. Neither is right or wrong. Find out what works for you.

• Make sure you have a strong conflict at the core of your plot. A story where a hero and heroine meet, like each other and simply fall in love won’t engage a reader. We need tension and things that challenge the characters. Find a solid reason, or several, for the characters to resist their attraction. This is the conflict in a romance. Beware though: many read conflict and think it means simply an argument but it’s much more. The conflict is what keeps your hero and heroine apart and it must be significant. Conflicts should tap into your hero and heroine’s deep emotions and beliefs and compel them to resist the attraction they feel for each other.

• Start your story at a moment of change, when life alters for at least one of your characters. Aim to engage the reader as soon as possible by having them empathise with your hero or heroine or both. For instance, readers will feel sympathy for a heroine facing really tough circumstances.

• Introduce both hero and heroine to the reader as soon as possible.

• Your characters needn’t be perfect people. In fact, it’s better if they aren’t. Flaws make them more real. But if they behave badly, show they have what they believe to be a good reason for doing so – make them redeemable. Readers want to relate to your characters, and your heroine in particular.

• Romances are stories of the heart. Focus on the characters’ emotional journey because this is at the core of the book. Try to draw your readers in to experience those emotions.

• It can be tough telling a convincing, engaging, emotional story within a limited word count. Focus on telling the most important parts of the story. The reader doesn’t need every tiny detail of the heroine’s day, or conversations that don’t propel the story forward or reveal something important.

• Don’t rush the ending. Readers have stayed with you through this journey and want to be rewarded by experiencing the joy of a happy ending.

• Consider joining a romance-specific writing group. Romance Writers of Australia has newsletters with craft information, conferences with useful workshops, and provides a chance to meet others who write.

I hope these suggestions are helpful. There are other resources out there with information on romance writing. I even have a few short articles on specific aspects of writing on my website. if you’re interested go to my website then to extras and on writing. You can also sign up for my newsletter at the top of that page, which gives you access to various extras. If you have questions I always enjoy hearing from readers. You can contact me via my website or follow me on Facebook.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Annie West

Annie has devoted her life to an intensive study of charismatic heroes who cause the best kind of trouble in the lives of their heroines. As a sideline she researches locations for romance, from vibrant cities to desert encampments and fairytale castles. Annie lives in eastern Australia with her hero husband, between sandy beaches and gorgeous wine country. She finds writing the perfect excuse to postpone housework. To contact her or join her newsletter, visit www.annie-west.com 

Annie’s latest book The Innocent’s Protector in Paradise is out now!

He’s sworn to keep her safe. She threatens his every barrier!

Niall Pedersen is the only person Lola Suarez can turn to when a stalker threatens her. A self-made security tycoon and her brother’s best friend, Niall immediately offers her a hiding place — that turns out to be his private retreat on Australia’s glamorous Gold Coast!

Lola may be forbidden, but their sizzling heat incinerates Niall’s resistance. Yet once innocent Lola is sharing his bed, he can’t hide from the truth: she deserves happily ever after. Exactly what Niall, scarred by tragedy, has always vowed he can’t give!

Find it here